Networks

A coordinated network of AI-industry super PACs working to head off stricter AI regulation, chiefly by pushing a single federal framework that would override stronger state-level rules on issues like consumer protection and liability. Leading the Future is the lead committee, channeling money to the Democratic-facing Think Big and the Republican-facing American Mission. All draw on the same core backers — chiefly Andreessen Horowitz, and OpenAI president Greg Brockman and his wife. Explicitly modeled on the crypto industry’s FairShake network — and sharing a strategist with it — its party-split structure lets the network back pro-AI candidates in both parties while opposing those who favor stronger oversight. Layering money through these committees, and through an affiliated 501(c)(4), Build American AI, that is not required to disclose its donors, obscures the original source of the funds.

A super PAC network that claims to be pushing for stronger AI regulation and safety guardrails, founded in response to the Leading the Future network. The lead committee, Public First, operates alongside the Democratic-focused Jobs and Democracy PAC (led by former Oklahama Democratic Representative Brad Carson) and the Republican-focused Defending Our Values (led by former Utah Republican Representative Chris Stewart). All are affiliated with Public First Action, a 501(c)(4) dark money group that is not required to disclose its donors. The network is funded chiefly by the AI company Anthropic. Despite its claims about “AI safety” and the public interest, critics have suggested that Anthropic is pushing policies that would benefit its business.